The topic of military service is a central issue in the German election campaign ahead of the 2025 federal election. Experts warn of a personnel shortage in the German military, which can only be addressed with far-reaching measures. The CDU is advocating for a mandatory military service, the SPD for a “new, flexible military service” the Greens for a voluntary military service model and to make the reserve service more attractive to a broader group. The FDP, on the other hand, wants to build the German military into the strongest conventional force in Europe.
The AfD has a generally positive stance on the reintroduction of military service, but it is still being internally debated whether to include it in the party’s election program, due to concerns over the developments in the Ukraine war.
Other NATO countries, such as Norway, have little understanding for the German debate, as reported by the Münchner Merkur. Norway’s military has no problem finding new recruits, as young people are not disappointed if they are not allowed to serve in the military, as the majority of the population sees military service as a normal part of life. This is because Norway introduced a general military service for men and women in 2015, the first NATO country to do so.
Since the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, Norway is experiencing its own “Zeitenwende” and is massively increasing its military spending. It is investing in new submarines for the NATO’s northern flank, which will be built in cooperation with Germany, and in new frigates for the royal navy. Additionally, Norway is ordering new German Leopard tanks. Now, the northern NATO partner is also offering a suggestion – following the Norwegian military service model.
For Germany, Norway could even be a role model, says Fredrik Borgmann, a defense attaché in the Norwegian embassy in Berlin, who was quoted by the Münchner Merkur. “I am convinced that Germany can be inspired by the Norwegian model and draw experiences from it to develop a system tailored to German society.”
The military service is seen as a recognized bond between the population and the military. “This helps to build trust in the military and increases the knowledge and understanding of why we need a military capability” Borgmann said. The military service is “the most important recruitment pool” he added.
The Norwegians emphasize that the German defense policy has made a strong impression on the country, with the term “Zeitenwende” even making it into the active vocabulary of many experts. Already in 2023, the country invested 200 million kroner (approximately 17 million euros) in recruitment and training of soldiers – allegedly due to the Ukraine war. An important goal is to retain recruits for a longer career in the military, so they do not switch to the free market.
However, Germany is still far from the Norwegian model, even as both countries are in a state of “Zeitenwende.” After the suspension of military service in 2011, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius first brought the reintroduction of military service to the table in years. After months of discussions, the cabinet approved a draft law with the “questionnaire model” in November.
According to this draft law, all young men who turn 18 next year will receive a digital questionnaire, which will also include the question of whether they are willing to serve in the military. A part of those who express their willingness will be invited to a physical examination. Initially, around 5,000 young men will be inducted into the military per year, in addition to the approximately 10,000 who already serve voluntarily.
The right to conscientious objection to military service will be retained. In Germany, a total of 2,468 applicants have taken advantage of this right in the current year, up to October 31, a 50% increase from the previous year with 1,609 applications, and eleven times as many as in 2021.